Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Regular long-grain rice will work, but you'll need to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts. Add about 1/2 cup more broth and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes instead of 5, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is entirely customizable! Andouille sausage has some heat, so if you're sensitive to spice, use kielbasa instead and go light on the Cajun seasoning. You can always add more seasoning at the table.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead. For extra substance, add a can of drained red beans to make a complete protein.

What's the best Cajun seasoning to use?

While store-bought blends like Tony Chachere's or Slap Ya Mama work wonderfully, you can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Homemade allows you to control salt and heat levels.

Cajun Sausage and Rice Recipe

Name: Cajun Sausage and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced red bell pepper; 1 cup diced yellow or green bell pepper; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup diced white or yellow onion; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 12 ounces andouille sausage or kielbasa, sliced; 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 ¼ cups instant white rice; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; Cajun seasoning (to taste)

This hearty Cajun Sausage and Rice is a flavor-packed one-skillet wonder that brings the vibrant tastes of Louisiana right to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. With tender vegetables, savory sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – making it the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you’re hungry and short on time.
One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of andouille sausage, fresh vegetables, and Cajun seasoning creates an incredibly rich and satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but deliver restaurant-quality flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers provide sweet flavor, vibrant color, and nutritional value. The different colors add visual appeal and slightly different flavor notes.
Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch and is part of the holy trinity of Cajun cooking (along with bell peppers and onions).
Onion: White or yellow onion creates a savory base flavor. No proper Cajun dish is complete without it!
Andouille sausage or kielbasa: The star protein that brings smoky, savory depth. Andouille offers authentic Cajun flavor with a spicy kick, while kielbasa is a milder alternative that’s still delicious.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic depth that can’t be matched by garlic powder.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness, color, and a slight tanginess to balance the spice.
Chicken broth: The liquid that cooks the rice while adding savory flavor. Using low-sodium gives you control over the salt level.
Instant white rice: The quick-cooking backbone of the dish that soaks up all the amazing flavors.
Cajun seasoning: The signature spice blend that gives the dish its distinctive flavor profile – add according to your heat preference.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and pop of color to the completed dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for the sausage. For seafood lovers, adding shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking creates a delicious “dirty rice” variation.

Heat Level Adjustments

Dial the spice up or down by adjusting the Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or a dash of hot sauce at the end.

Veggie Boost

Add okra, corn, or diced tomatoes for even more Southern flavor and nutritional value.

Creamy Version

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier texture.

How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat your large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil followed by the diced bell peppers, celery, and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent. This aromatic base is essential for building flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the sliced andouille or kielbasa to the vegetable mixture and cook until nicely browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. This step develops rich, savory flavor as the sausage caramelizes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant (careful not to burn it!). Then add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. This brief cooking process helps develop the tomato paste’s deep flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the instant rice, stirring to incorporate it evenly. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice will absorb all those delicious flavors as it cooks.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in Cajun seasoning to taste, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Rice: For extra flavor, add the dry rice to the pan for 1 minute before adding the broth, stirring to lightly toast it.
Don’t Rush the Vegetables: Taking time to properly sauté the bell peppers, celery, and onion develops a crucial flavor foundation.
Balance the Heat: Cajun seasoning varies widely by brand – start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
Slice Sausage Consistently: Cut the sausage into even slices (about ¼-inch thick) for uniform cooking.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking – this helps the flavors meld and ensures the rice fully absorbs the liquid.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing or some steamed green beans to balance the rich flavors.

Southern Style

Add a piece of cornbread or a crusty French baguette on the side for sopping up any extra sauce.

Garnish Options

Top with sliced green onions, additional fresh parsley, or a few dashes of hot sauce for those who want extra heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for quick meals later. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the moisture. Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Regular long-grain rice will work, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts. Add about 1/2 cup more broth and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes instead of 5, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is entirely customizable! Andouille sausage has some heat, so if you’re sensitive to spice, use kielbasa instead and go light on the Cajun seasoning. You can always add more seasoning at the table.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead. For extra substance, add a can of drained red beans to make a complete protein.
What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?

While store-bought blends like Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama work wonderfully, you can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Homemade allows you to control salt and heat levels.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Sausage and Rice recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or fancy techniques. With its bold flavors, simple ingredients, and quick cooking time, it’s bound to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a complete meal that satisfies every time. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds (and schedule) will thank you!